The Chinese Giant Salamander is the largest amphibian in the world, measuring up to 180 cm in length. It belongs to the Cryptobranchidea family that dates back 170 million years. Unfortunately, this unique species is on the brink of extinction due to habitat loss, pollution, and overhunting for its supposed medicinal and culinary properties in traditional Chinese medicine.
The Chinese Giant Salamander is a remarkable amphibian species that has managed to survive for 170 million years. It is a part of the Cryptobranchidea family, known for their incredible size and longevity. The Chinese Giant Salamander, in particular, is the largest of its kind, measuring up to 180 cm in length. Its counterpart, the Japanese Giant Salamander (Andrias japonicus), is slightly smaller but very similar in appearance.
The Chinese Giant Salamander has a large head, small eyes, black and wrinkled skin. It feeds on insects, small amphibians, and fish. Its vision is poor, relying on special sensory bumps running along its body from head to tail to detect vibrations in the surrounding environment. It has the ability to sense small movements and vibrations with the help of these bumps. Females lay 400-500 eggs in an underwater nest, which the male protects until they hatch after 50-60 days. Adult salamanders weigh on average 25-30 kg and are 1.15 m long.
Chinese Giant Salamanders are known to produce various vocalizations, including barks, groans, squeals, and cries that are reminiscent of a human baby's crying. Because of this, it is known as "wa wa yu/ní" (娃娃鱼/鲵) in Chinese, meaning "baby fish."
The Chinese Giant Salamander is an aquatic species that lives in streams and ponds with clear water in mountainous areas. They are usually found in dark, rocky crevices along the banks of rivers, ponds, lakes, and streams in broadleaf and coniferous forests. They are mostly found in the forested areas at elevations between 100 to 1500 m (330-4,920 ft), with the highest frequency of sightings recorded at 300-800 m (980-2,620 ft). These salamanders prefer living in small streams (with an average width of about 6.39 m), with fast-flowing and shallow water (with an average depth of 1.07 m). However, the breeding sites are usually in caves with slow-flowing water. Moreover, their natural habitats often have uneven and rocky bottoms, with small stones and rocks, as well as a few...
Despite its unique characteristics, the Chinese Giant Salamander is under threat of extinction. The main reasons are habitat loss, pollution, and overhunting. The salamander's habitat has been significantly reduced due to deforestation and construction of hydroelectric power plants, dams, and other infrastructure. Water pollution, especially in urban areas, has also affected their habitats. Furthermore, the salamander is considered a delicacy in Chinese cuisine and is used in traditional Chinese medicine. Its supposed medicinal properties have led to a thriving black market for the salamander, resulting in overhunting and exploitation of the species.
The Chinese Giant Salamander is a fascinating and unique amphibian species that deserves protection and conservation efforts to ensure its survival. We must work together to preserve their habitats, reduce pollution, and enforce laws to prevent overhunting and exploitation. Only by doing so can we ensure that future generations will be able to appreciate the remarkable beauty of these.
